As an Amazon seller, maintaining accurate and up-to-date product information is crucial for maximizing sales and maintaining customer trust. However, many sellers encounter a frustrating issue: stuck titles, bullet points, or other catalog attributes that refuse to update. This can be especially challenging for Brand Registered sellers who rely on precise product details to reflect their brand identity. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these issues.
This guide will walk you through why these updates may get “stuck” and how to use Amazon’s tools, including Brand Registry and Seller Central, to resolve catalog issues efficiently. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to fix your titles, bullet points, and catalog attributes on Amazon.
Why Catalog Attributes Get Stuck
Catalog attributes, such as titles, bullet points, and descriptions, may become “stuck” and fail to update for several reasons. Understanding the root cause is essential for finding a solution. Here are the most common reasons for this issue:
- Conflict with Other Sellers: On Amazon, listings are shared entities in Amazon’s catalog, meaning other sellers can contribute to the listing’s content. If another seller (who might not have Brand Registry) has provided details that Amazon considers more reliable, your updates may not show.
- Amazon’s Data Refresh Rate: Amazon has a specific timeline and frequency for refreshing catalog data. Sometimes, delays in the data refresh process can make it seem as if updates aren’t being applied.
- Amazon’s Compliance Rules: Amazon applies strict guidelines on title length, keyword usage, and formatting. If your updates don’t comply, they may not take effect.
- Internal Amazon Errors: Occasionally, internal system glitches or errors in Amazon’s catalog can prevent changes from being processed as expected.
- ASIN Lock: Amazon sometimes locks attributes on a specific ASIN to protect product information consistency, especially if the ASIN has high sales velocity or is a well-known brand.
For Brand Registered sellers, leveraging Amazon Brand Registry’s tools and support can make a difference in addressing these issues. Let’s dive into the solutions.
Step-by-Step Solutions for Fixing Stuck Titles, Bullets, and Attributes
1. Use Amazon’s Brand Registry Support for Detail Page Changes
If you’re part of the Amazon Brand Registry program, you have access to Amazon’s Brand Registry Support, which can directly assist with stuck catalog attributes. Here’s how to request changes through Brand Registry:
- Log in to Amazon Brand Registry: Go to brandregistry.amazon.com and sign in.
- Go to “Support”: Click on the “Support” option at the top-right corner.
- Select “Update Your Brand Details”: Choose the option that aligns with your issue (e.g., “Change Product Information”).
- Fill Out the Form: Provide detailed information about the ASIN, the specific attribute that’s stuck, and the desired change. Attach any documentation to support your request, such as manufacturer product information or brand documentation.
- Explain the Importance: Emphasize the brand’s ownership of the ASIN and the need for consistent, accurate representation.
Amazon’s Brand Registry team typically responds faster than general Seller Support and has more authority to override existing content for Brand Registered products.
2. Submit a Flat File Update Through Seller Central
One of the most reliable methods to push through catalog changes is to submit a flat file. A flat file is a spreadsheet that contains bulk data about your products and can override existing catalog details. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to Amazon Seller Central: Go to sellercentral.amazon.com.
- Go to “Inventory”: Under the “Inventory” tab, select “Add Products via Upload.”
- Download the Flat File Template: Select “Download an Inventory File,” choose the appropriate category for your products, and download the relevant template.
- Fill Out the Template: Populate the flat file with your ASIN, SKU, and the exact details you want to update. Pay close attention to attributes like
title,bullet_point1,bullet_point2, etc. - Set the Update/Delete Column to “Partial Update”: In the template, use the “Partial Update” option to ensure only the specified fields are updated.
- Upload the File: Go back to “Add Products via Upload” and upload the completed flat file. Amazon’s system will process the changes, which may take up to 24 hours.
Flat files are a powerful tool for catalog management, as they can sometimes override stuck data that manual updates in Seller Central cannot.
3. Open a Case with Seller Support
If Brand Registry support or a flat file update doesn’t resolve the issue, consider opening a case with Seller Support. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Help: Go to the “Help” section in Seller Central and click on “Get Support.”
- Open a New Case: Under “Selling on Amazon,” select “Products and Inventory” and then “Product Page Issue.”
- Provide Detailed Information: Include the ASIN, SKU, and the exact attribute that needs updating. Mention your Brand Registry status and any previous steps you’ve taken (e.g., submitted a flat file).
- Attach Documentation: Supporting documents like manufacturer specs or brand certificates can strengthen your case.
- Politely Request Escalation: If initial responses aren’t helpful, ask for escalation to the Captive Team, a specialized team that handles more complex issues.
Amazon Support may take up to 48 hours to respond, and follow-up may be required. Be patient, but persistent.
4. Utilize the “Manage Your Experiments” Tool (for A/B Testing)
If you’re unsure whether a particular change will improve conversion, Amazon offers a tool called “Manage Your Experiments” for Brand Registered sellers. This feature allows you to A/B test different titles, bullet points, and images.
- Access the Tool: Go to “Brand Dashboard” in Seller Central, then select “Manage Your Experiments.”
- Set Up an Experiment: Choose the ASIN you want to test, and create variations for the title, bullet points, or other attributes.
- Run the Experiment: The tool will display each variation to different customers, allowing you to gather data on which version performs better.
While this tool won’t override stuck information, it can provide valuable insights into what changes may work best once your updates go through.
5. Make Use of Amazon’s A+ Content to Bypass Listing Limitations
For Brand Registered sellers, Amazon’s A+ Content Manager offers an alternative way to display additional information and highlight features, even if your listing updates are stuck.
- Go to A+ Content Manager: From Seller Central, navigate to “Advertising” and select “A+ Content Manager.”
- Create Enhanced Product Descriptions: Use modules to add images, comparison charts, and custom descriptions.
- Submit for Approval: Once you’re done, submit the content. It typically takes Amazon 24–48 hours to approve A+ Content.
While A+ Content won’t replace stuck titles or bullet points, it offers an alternative way to provide customers with comprehensive information about your product.
Best Practices for Ensuring Successful Catalog Updates
Here are some additional tips to avoid getting stuck attributes in the future:
- Regularly Audit Listings: Regularly review and update your listings to catch any inaccuracies or outdated information before they become a problem.
- Comply with Amazon’s Style Guide: Amazon enforces strict guidelines on content formatting. Adhering to these guidelines can prevent Amazon from flagging or blocking your updates.
- Keep Documentation Handy: Have manufacturer details, product specifications, and brand documentation readily available. This information can help expedite support cases if issues arise.
- Use Clear and Relevant Keywords: Overuse of keywords can cause Amazon to flag content. Use relevant keywords that accurately describe the product to prevent this.
- Monitor Changes Regularly: Amazon’s catalog system occasionally refreshes listings based on algorithmic changes. Check your listings periodically to ensure that your details remain accurate and up to date.
Conclusion
Encountering stuck titles, bullet points, and catalog attributes on Amazon can be frustrating, especially for Brand Registered sellers who depend on consistency to maintain brand identity. However, by understanding the reasons behind these issues and following the steps outlined above, you can regain control of your product listings.
Leveraging tools like Amazon Brand Registry, flat file uploads, and Amazon’s A+ Content Manager can give you multiple options for resolving issues and enhancing your product pages. For best results, always keep documentation ready, follow Amazon’s style guidelines, and be persistent in following up with Seller Support when needed.
Fixing stuck catalog attributes may require patience, but with the right approach, you can ensure your Amazon listings accurately represent your brand and provide customers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
